Colombia’s largest cities Friday are the scene of protests against President Ivan Duque performed by students, teachers, and truck drivers.
Archiv: strikes (workforce)
UCSC grad students are fighting to have their labor rights acknowledged. I strongly urge the president of the UC system to stop threatening them, especially immigrant students, for organizing. I stand with @payusmoreucsc
Colombian National Strike Committee Calls For New Protests
Protesters and organizations continue to strike against the policies implemented by Duque and the resurgence of violence in the country. On Nov. 21, as millions of Colombians, took to the streets to hold the biggest protest against Duque since he came to power in Aug. 2018.
Brazil: Bolsonaro Is Pushing Teachers Towards a National Strike
Besides being harmed by a government that keeps their salaries low, Brazilian teachers are being affected by budget cuts that deteriorate educational infrastructure and materials.
Colombia: Paramilitary Black Eagles Threaten Social Activists
In the last few hours, in the capital of the country, a threatening pamphlet by the self-styled ‚Black Eagles‘ began to circulate threatening the promoters and defenders of the marches supporting the national strike.
Ontario Teachers Are Strongly United to Defend Public Education
For the first time in the last 20 years, all major teacher unions will join their forces to reject budget cuts.
The French government is at war with the people
Macron’s assault on living standards and liberty cannot be ignored any longer.
Honduran Nurses Continue Strike Against Threat of Layoffs
Nurses said they would remain on strike until they reach a fair and non-discriminatory solution to the requests made by their union while accusing the government of treating them like „animals.“
Firefighters clash with riot police in France protests
Police have used teargas, water cannons and batons against protesting firefighters in Paris. Thousands of firefighters attended the demonstration in the French capital, asking for an increase in their hazard bonus, which has not changed since 1990
Thousands protest as Macron’s government adopts pension reform plan
France’s hardleft trade unions on Friday threatened industrial action for months to come, as they searched for a way to force President Emmanuel Macron to ditch the biggest overhaul of the country’s pension system since World War II.
France: 7th National Strike Against Macron’s Pension Reform
France’s General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the Unitary Federation of Trade Unions (FSU) and other organizations called on citizens to join the 51st day of protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform.
#Retraites #Retrait #greve11janvier On est 150 000 aujourd’hui dans Paris
Why do rich people in France live much longer than the country’s poorest?
(08.02.2018)
À #Rennes les #GilletsJaunes ouvrent le cortège de la #manifestation de la #greve11janvier contre la #reformedesretraites. Images de @JBourrieau pour @LeMediaTV
💥 Tous Ensemble à #Nantes avant d’arriver à la #Préfecture 😏✊🏽 #greve11janvier #GreveGenerale
Thousands of #GiletsJaunes and unions are marching to protest in #Toulouse. This will not be shown on mainstream TV. #greve11janvier #Acte61
“This Strike Is Uniting the Resistance Against Macron”
A government bid to cut back pensions has pitched France into its longest strike in decades. But as one railworker organizer tells Jacobin, the dispute is about more than retirement insurance — it’s about stopping Emmanuel Macron’s whole agenda.
1/ #ViolencesPolicieres : nous sombrons vite. Jeudi 9 janvier, un voile supplémentaire s’est levé sur la réalité de ce qu’est la Police. #manif9janvier #paris
Vidéo complète : https://www.facebook.com/cerveauxnondisponibles/videos/2585958411689021
New general strike call in #France… ▪️The French General Confederation of Labour (CGT) called on workers to occupy all oil facilites and fuel depots in the country between January 7 and January 10 – Le Monde –
Ce ne sont pas des voeux mais une déclaration de guerre aux millions de Français qui refusent sa réforme. Tout le reste de son discours sonne faux et creux. Un extraterrestre a parlé. #VoeuxMacron2020
French Unions Vow No Surrender In Month-long Strike
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, added on Twitter: „These are not (New Year) wishes but a declaration of war to the millions of French who refuse his reform.“
Already another day of mass protests is set for January 9, when teachers, dockers, hospital workers and other public sector employees are expected to join transport workers by striking for the day.
Energy workers have also called for a three-day blockade of the country’s oil refineries and fuel depots starting January 7, raising the spectre of petrol shortages.
There has been literally not a word on this from the ‘internationalist’ TUC. Our fellow workers are engaged in mass strike action just a few miles across the Channel, and the voice of the British trade union movement is silent. Totally shameful.
Live: French unions rally en masse for ‚Black Tuesday‘ protests against pension reform
As nationwide strikes continue in France against President Emmanuel Macron’s signature pension reform, unions are planning mass demonstrations on Tuesday in a pre-Christmas push to get the government to withdraw its reform plan altogether.
France willing to delay pension reform timing as strikes continue
Transport systems were paralyzed for a fourth day on Sunday as unions at state railway SNCF and Paris public transport system RATP extended their strike against the changes.
Strikes: Transport chaos continues across France
Under pressure, the government held talks with union representatives over the weekend, ahead of Sunday evening’s emergency meeting.
More French protests see roads blocked, trains disrupted and scuffles in Paris
On Saturday, transport remained disrupted, with only one in 10 regional trains and one in six high-speed TGV services running. In Paris, only lines 1 and 14 – both automatic, driverless lines – were in operation.
Colombia’s Indigenous Peoples Join National Strike in Bogota
Indigenous organizations like the Cric from the Cauca province, arrived at the capital Thursday in order to support the workers, students, and campesinos that have so far been the core of the national protests against the conservative government.
Indiana teachers use their ‚outside voices‘ to demand higher wages
The “Red for Ed” protest was the latest in a wave of work stoppages by U.S. educators. In 2018, teachers in Arizona, West Virginia and Oklahoma staged largely successful days-long strikes to demand higher salaries.
Ecuador Transport Unions Declare Strike Over, Others Continue
Despite the transportation sector declaring an end to the strike, several other major social society organizations of Ecuador, such as the Confederation of National Indigenous of Ecuador (CONAIE), the Popular Front, and the United Workers Front (FUT), collectively announced they will continue to protest throughout the country against the IMF-induced adjustments that also include tax and labor reforms, and other proposals to flexibilize the nation’s economy.
Ministry invites students to return to schools despite ongoing teachers’ strike
The abiding circular is in compliance with the Administrative Court’s ruling, issued on Sunday, ordering an „immediate“ suspension to teachers‘ nationwide strike following a lawsuit filed by parents, Education Minister Walid Maani said on Monday in an official letter carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
Peru: Army Deployed to Port Amid Protest Against Mining Project
Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra authorized Sunday for the army to join the national police forces to “protect” the key mining port of Matarani, a day before an expected new round of protests against Southern Copper’s ‘Tia Maria’ open-pit mining project.
Heathrow Cancels Flights in Response to Planned Strike, BBC Says
About 88% of the 4,000 Unite union members who voted rejected a pay offer and opted to strike on Aug. 5-6, meaning that around 2,500 staff will miss their shifts, the BBC said on its website late yesterday.
Ecuador: Roads Blocked, Media Silence as National Strike Hits 2nd Day
“Our Police is used to arrest national leaders that strike against the IMF. Today was Omar Delgado and his son, tomorrow it can be anyone. Who guarantees our right to protest?” left-wing legislator from former president Rafael Correa’s party, Marcela Holguin, tweeted.
Peru: Farmers Launch Indefinite Strike Against Major Open-Pit Mining Project
Peruvian farmers from the Tambo Valley in the central region of Arequipa began an indefinite strike Monday to protest the government’s approval to initiate construction of a major open-pit mining project known as ‘Tia Maria’, granted to United States mining corporation, Southern Copper.
Ecuador: Workers, Farmers Launch National Strike Against Moreno’s Gov’t
Ecuador’s National Campesino Movement (Fecaol) and workers’ unions have launched a five-day national strike Monday to protest President Lenin Moreno’s neoliberal government, as massive manifestations in the country’s capital and major cities are expected on Tuesday.
Argentina Transport Union to Strike, Protest July 12
The union leader also said that President Mauricio Macri was losing a lot of support among workers of the transport sector following his fiscal austerity program.
„A lot of people believed in this government but nothing changed.“
In July 1888, women and girls who worked at Bryant and May’s match factory in Bow, London, went on strike over poor working conditions.
Low pay for a 14-hour day was cut even further if workers talked or went to the toilet, and bone cancer caused by white phosphorus was common.
Honduran President Deploys Military Across Nation Amid Chaos
President Juan Orlando Hernandez (JOH) announced orders to the Honduran military Thursday to deploy to all parts of the country to stamp down the ever-widening protests against the neoliberal policies of his administration. This follows an overnight emergency session with his National Defense and Security Council after a violent night of protests turned deadly.
Honduras: Doctors, Teachers Continue Protests Against Gov’t
Teachers and doctors of Honduras continued their demonstrations Sunday against the government of Juan Orlando Hernandez (JOH), demanding improvements in the health and education sectors.
Brazil: Millions Protest Bolsonaro’s Neoliberal Pension Reform
Major national unions and social organizations strike (again) against President Jair Bolsonaro pension reforms, shutting down capitals and cities across country.
Sure, the EU likes workers‘ rights… unless they get in the way of corporate profiteering, then the ECJ steps in and squashes them. @EddieDempsey #brexit
Strikes Spread Across Honduras as Taxi Drivers Join Protesters
Teachers, students, and doctors have been demonstrating for weeks, rejecting the privatization of health and education sectors promoted by the Juan Orlando Hernandez administration. Ending police brutality against protesters has also been added to their list of demands as well as impartial investigations into those cases.
Honduran Police Repress Protesters Amid National Teacher Doctor Strike
To them, this is the beginning of what will be a wave of mass layoffs and privatization of the systems. JOH has also been trying to push privatization via Employment and Economic Development Zones, which activists have warned, would put parts of the country up for sale.
Honduran government cracks down on strike by teachers, doctors and nurses
A new criminal code that went into effect May 15 criminalizes demonstrations in the broadest terms with up to four years in prison and 15 years for leaders or promoters. It also establishes a prison term of 3 to 10 years for carrying out abortions.
Over 1 million students and teachers went on strike and flooded the streets all over Brazil to protest against Bolsonaro’s education cuts. #ForaBolsonaro
(16.05.2019)
Flagship Argentine airline cancels Tuesday flights due to strike
Argentina’s government-controlled carrier Aerolineas Argentinas said on Sunday it canceled all flights scheduled for Tuesday due to a nationwide strike by labor unions opposed to the austerity program of President Mauricio Macri.
Colombia: Nationwide Strike Against Duque’s Neoliberal Policies
Workers, farmers, teachers, students, and pensioners are staging a nationwide „Peace and Justice“ strike to reject President Ivan Duque’s neoliberal policies, supporting Indigenous rights and defending the peace process in Colombia being left behind by the head of state.
Palestinians in Israeli Jails to Start Mass Hunger Strike
This came just two days before Israel´s upcoming election in which the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term in office.
Bernie Sanders Join Thousands Of Striking Workers At UCLA Rally
(20.3.2019) Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders joined thousands of University of California union workers Wednesday at UCLA who are taking part in a one-day statewide strike, calling for higher pay and better benefits amid contract negotiations.
Teachers strike wave spreads across five continents
Across the world, teachers in dozens of countries across five continents are taking part in a strike movement of unprecedented international proportions.
In advanced and underdeveloped countries alike, teachers are fighting for the same cause: the defense of public education. They belong to the same class—the working class—and they confront the same enemies: the governments and corporations who demand privatization and cuts as well as the trade unions who isolate and betray.
Argentina Doctors Strike, Close 600 State Hospitals
Nearly 30,000 doctors and healthcare professionals are refusing to go to work Wednesday and Thursday leaving 600 public hospitals closed in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Neuquen in southern Argentina and Tucuman in the north.
Ecuadoreans protest Lenin Moreno’s economic measures and deal with IMF
The national strike and protest was against the privatization of public companies and a forthcoming deal with the International Monetary Fund.
10,000 workers to go on indefinite strike against privatization of Indian airports
„And now after modernizing these six airports with public money under AAI, handing them over to private hands through PPP route tantamount to an undue bonanza to private players at the cost of public exchequer, besides being totally unjust and extremely unfair which may please be taken note of,“ reads the letter.
Ecuadoreans March Against Neoliberal Policies
This is a new episode of mobilizations against a neoliberal agenda coming from the government of President Lenin Moreno, who was elected to continue with the Citizen’s Revolution, previously lead by former President Rafael Correa.
Le 5 février, grève nationale de 24h : la carte des mobilisations
Depuis de nombreux mois, les salarié-es, les retraité-es, les privé-es d’emploi et la jeunesse se mobilisent dans notre pays. Depuis la fin de l’année 2018, le mouvement dit des Gilets jaunes mobilise les attentions et révèle un regain de confiance en l’action collective. La démultiplication des mobilisations s’oppose à la profonde injustice sociale et exige une autre répartition des richesses créées par le travail… Retrouvez dans cet article la carte des mobilisations pour le 5 février.
How Tuesday’s nationwide strikes in France could affect you
The hard left CGT union has called for a national day of strikes and demonstrations on Tuesday in France in response to the national consultation launched by the government and to the ongoing „national crisis“.
Indian government fires hundreds of teachers as Tamil Nadu strike faces a crossroads
The court called on teachers to return to work on Tuesday, declaring that the strikers, not the government, were threatening the future of their students who are due to sit annual examinations. Later that day, 3,000 teachers were detained and their protests broken up by police. They were held in various halls for several hours and then released.
Powerful Tunisian union starts nationwide strike over pay
Tunisia is under pressure from the International Monetary Fund to freeze public sector wages as part of reforms to help reduce the country’s budget deficit.
Death toll in French ‚yellow vest‘ protests rises to nine
Local officials said the latest victim, a man aged about 60, was hit by a truck near a motorway where demonstrators had been gathering.
Mass demonstration by Los Angeles teachers
Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers and their supporters converged in a rally and march in downtown Los Angeles Saturday to demand better pay, smaller class sizes and increased funding for the 640,000 students in the second-largest school district in the United States. The demonstration, which involved up to 50,000 protesters, was the latest indication of the resumption of resistance by educators who, earlier this year, were involved in the largest strike wave by teachers in decades.
Thousands of ‘yellow vests’ demonstrate in France in fifth weekend of protests
The interior minister said around 69,000 police were active on Saturday with a reinforced presence in the cities of Toulouse, Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne.
A police source told Reuters some 16,000 protesters had been counted in France, excluding Paris, by 11am Irish time, compared to 22,000 at the same time on December 8th.
DIRECT – Gilets jaunes : tensions sur les Champs-Élysées, à Paris
Sur les marches de l’Opéra de Paris, un des #GiletsJaunes prend la parole au mégaphone : „Nous exigeons une baisse sérieuse de toutes taxes et impôts, sur les produits de première nécessité, de l’énergie, logement, transports, produits alimentaires, vêtements…“
„Le mouvement persiste parce que Mr #Macron de fiche complètement de ce que vivent de nombreuses personnes“ Le témoignage de Maurine, une #GiletJaune sur #La26
#Acte5 Première action de cette journée, des #Mariannes dénudées se tiennent devant les forces mobiles. Action symbolique. #giletsjaunes #Paris #15Decembre
Unions call strike as protests continue across France
For today (Friday December 14) and Tuesday December 18, unions called for strikes across several industries, including air traffic control, transport, and education. The call read: “We must act for an immediate increase in salaries, pensions and social protection.”
The unions the FSU, Solidaires, SUD and UNEF have also joined the movement.
Colombia: Students Mobilize to Protest Murder of Social Leaders
As part of a strike that began on Oct. 11, Colombian university students mobilize to reject violence against social leaders and rights defenders.
24-hour Greek media blackout ahead of broader strike action
Greek journalists walked off work for 24 hours Tuesday ahead of a broader nationwide strike that is expected to cripple transport services as austerity-weary labor unions press for salary and pension raises and tax cuts. No news programs were being broadcast on TV and radio, while newspapers will not be printed on Wednesday, the day of the strike called by GSEE, the country’s biggest labor union.
Argentine airline cancels 371 flights due to strike ahead of G20
Argentina’s state-owned airline Aerolineas Argentinas said on Friday that it had canceled all flights scheduled for Monday due to a strike called by pilots and other personnel, just days before the country is to host a meeting of the G20, Reuters reported.
More than 370 flights, affecting 40,000 travelers, have been scratched from the schedule, Aerolineas [AERA.UL] said in a statement.
Uber, Taxify drivers strike over ’slavery-like‘ conditions
Drivers from Uber and Taxify, who have likened their working conditions to slavery, downed tools on Monday and urged users to seek alternative transport.
Colombia: High School Teachers to Join University Strike
The Colombian Federation of Education Workers (Fecode) announced Wednesday, in the context of nationwide protests led by public university students, professors, and directors who are demanding an increase in their budget, that they will also go on strike.
UPS’s Union Rejects Labor Contract, Raising Risk of Strike
United Parcel Service Inc.’s union ratified a five-year labor agreement for employees — even though a majority of members who voted turned it down.
The 54 percent “no” vote wasn’t enough to block the deal under union rules since less than half the membership turned out to cast ballots, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said in an emailed statement.
Argentina national strike protests inflation, shuts grains port
Shops across Argentina were shuttered and the streets in the capital, Buenos Aires, were quiet on Tuesday after the country’s largest union called a 24-hour strike to protest President Mauricio Macri’s handling of the economy, which has been racked by runaway inflation.
Guatemalans Back to the Streets a Year After First S20 Strike
The protest call was answered by unions, campesino, indigenous and other student organizations, such as the Campesino Unity Committee (CUC) and the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (CCDA), in different departments of the country.
As Nationwide Prison Strike Reaches Second Week, Inmates Accuse Officials of Retaliating With Solitary Confinement
„The retaliation and repression was instantaneous and constant. Leaders were picked off, one by one, and thrown into solitary in anticipation of the strike that was coming.“
Thousands of teachers in Washington state strike over salaries
Nearly 80,000 students in Washington state were unable to attend the first day of school this week as thousands of teachers went on strike seeking higher salaries, teacher’s unions said.
Argentine Educators Strike, Massive Protests Thursday
On Monday teachers in the Buenos Aires province announced they will start a three-day strike on Tuesday after salary negotiations between the government and teachers’ unions broke down last week.
US: Prisoners Strike Over Conditions Akin to ‚Modern Slavery‘
Prisoners across the United States, which is home to the world’s largest prison population, went on strike in at least 17 states Tuesday. Prisoners are refusing to work, holding sit-ins and going on hunger strike from August 21, the 47th anniversary of the murder of Black Panther member, George Jackson, by correctional officers in San Quentin, until September 9, which marks the 47th anniversary of the Attica prison uprising for humane conditions and fundamental sociopolitical rights.
Ryanair pilots to join European strikes at airline next week
A group of Irish Ryanair pilots will strike along with those in up to four European countries next Friday.
Strikes stop production on three North Sea platforms
(24.Juli) The Unite trade union claimed that strike action had shut down Total’s Alwyn, Dunbar and Elgin rigs in the North Sea.
Regional officer John Boland said 44 workers across the three Total rigs had gone on strike in a 6am dispute over pay and working hours.
Hamas in Gaza, Iranians in Syria: Israel’s F-35 Strikes Carried Message to Both Enemies and Allies
Norkin’s announcement, made at a conference in Israel for air force commanders from 20 countries, was planned for maximum exposure. It was a message to Israel’s adversaries in the region that the IAF now has “stealth” capabilities and is the first air force in the Middle East flying aircraft that are capable of evading radar systems and of operating in hostile environments, virtually undetected.
Syrian state media says U.S. struck army base, U.S. denies
“We have no operational reporting of a U.S.-led coalition strike against pro-Syrian regime targets or forces,” Captain Bill Urban, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, told Reuters.
Another Pentagon spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We have no information to substantiate those reports.”
French workers stage fresh nationwide strike over job cuts
Public services workers across France have staged a fresh round of strike to protest government plans to reform labor laws, which entails cutting tens of thousands of jobs in the upcoming years.
20,000 teachers rally in North Carolina
The protest follows walkouts in West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Colorado and Arizona. Many students, parents and other workers also joined the demonstration. The ongoing wave of teacher strikes is part of an upsurge in working class struggle across the US and internationally since the start of 2018.
Thousands of North Carolina teachers rally for higher pay
North Carolina the sixth state in which teachers’ have publicly protested to bring attention to the state of education in the United States.
America’s teachers have seen cut after cut at the hands of legislatures all across the country for decades. Now, they’re standing up, going on strike, and demanding better pay and better funding for education. And you know what? They’re winning.
Teachers Are Leading the Revolt Against Austerity
The strikes aren’t just about pay. They’re a rejection of tax cuts for the wealthy and a rallying cry for public goods and services.
French train services severely disrupted as unions step up strike action
French rail unions stepped up their strike action on Monday – the 18th day of the ongoing industrial action – which left rail services severely disrupted around the country. Strikers blocked train depots and access to offices for non-striking work
Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
The Secretary-General followed with utmost concern reports overnight of missile launches from Syria targeting Israeli positions and retaliatory strikes by the Israel Defense Forces, that followed earlier strikes in Syria on Tuesday, 8 May. He notes with relief today’s partial normalization of the situation.
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has maintained contact with the Syrian Arab Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces, urging both parties to exercise maximum restraint and abide by their obligations under the Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
The Secretary-General urges for an immediate halt to all hostile acts and any provocative actions to avoid a new conflagration in the region already embroiled in terrible conflicts with immense suffering of civilians.
Kremlin urges Israel, Iran to show restraint in standoff
Russia calls on Israel and Iran to show restraint in their standoff and to resolve their differences by diplomatic means only, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters on Thursday.
Israel says Iranian forces fired rockets at Golan Heights posts
The Israeli military said it „views this event with great severity and remains prepared for a wide variety of scenarios.“
BREAKING: #Syria is retaliating against #Israeli strikes! Syria is launching MRLS at the Israeli occupied Golan Heights!
#BREAKING – First footage of explosions hitting #Israeli positions in #Golan. Warning sirens are active and civilians have been instructed to go to bomb shelters.
Death toll from Syria strike rises to 15, including 8 Iranians — monitor
It is not the first time that Kisweh has been targeted. In December, Israel reportedly bombed military positions in the area south of Damascus, including a weapons depot.
Since the start of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Israel has repeatedly targeted positions of the Syrian army and the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group backing it inside the country.
Dramatic footage of Syrian Air Defense confronting Israeli missile
The Syrian Arab News Agency has released dramatic security camera footage showing the moment air defenses brought down an Israeli missile in the al-Kisweh area about 12 km southwest of the capital.
How a Syrian Airstrike Got Help From Space
(24.4.2018) Space electronic warfare Capt. Andrew „Ghost“ Harris and space weapons officer Capt. Ryan „Pippin“ Foster have an urgent task—to make sure the coming allied strike takes full advantage of U.S. satellites in orbit.
“For something of this scale, this is one of—if not the—first time we have had space guys directly involved in the planning, influencing that mission, and developing effects specifically designed to support its execution,” says Morgan. “I’ve been involved in the Air Force for 24 years and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
As of 9:57 p Pentagon has declined comment on the incident or whether US assets are involved. @CENTCOM earlier said it wasn’t aware of any action near Hama and hasn’t gotten back to me on further questions about the incident and any US involvement.
Resonant Syria strike suggests coordinated US-Israel message to Russia and Iran
Overnight attack comes with Pompeo in the region, Netanyahu and Trump on the phone, Liberman in the US, and the US Army CENTCOM chief having visited without fanfare last week
French rail and flight disruptions coincide as labour unrest continues
All four major unions are contesting a reform which is the biggest since nationalisation of the railways in the late 1930s and seen as a test of Macron’s determination to pursue a far broader raft of reforms during a term that runs to 2022.
Russia: US did not violate red lines during Syria strikes
“We told them where our red lines were, including the geographical red lines,” Lavrov told Russian state television. “The results have shown that they haven’t crossed those lines.”
Moscow had warned the U.S. before the strike that it could hit back if the U.S. actions jeopardize Russian servicemen in Syria, and the allies had given Russia an advance warning to make sure no Russians were in the line of fire.